Bird Yoga: Learn about our Feathered Friends through Movement
Parrot, penguin, and peacock!
Three totally different animals that share the main two things that set birds apart from other animals—they all have feathers and wings. Even though penguins don’t use their wings to fly, they use them to jet through the water.
So if you’re looking for a fun yoga theme where you can pretend to fly, waddle, and perch, why not try Birds Yoga to learn about these interesting animals? Below, you’ll find five bird books for kids that highlight the different sizes, colors, and shapes of birds, as well as their varied nests. There are also five bird-inspired yoga poses so you, too, can pretend to be like some of our feathered friends.
After you’ve explored bird-themed books and yoga poses, have a chat about the children’s previous experiences with birds. Do they see birds in their backyards? Have they seen interesting birds at the zoo? What sounds do they hear from local birds? Have they traveled somewhere else and seen totally different birds? How do we bring more birds to our backyards and local parks? What are common pet birds?
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Five Bird Books for Kids
Five of our favorite bird books are:
Riki’s Birdhouse
by Monica Wellington
Monica’s bright and colorful illustration keep young ones engaged and interested. I love all her books. This one follows a boy who watches birds throughout the seasons and makes a birdhouse to attract the birds in his backyard. At the back, you’ll find instructions for building a birdhouse, creating a birdbath, and making bird food. Ages 3+
Noisy Bird Sing-Along
by John Himmelman
This is a fun introduction to the sounds of birds. The vibrant illustrations, coupled with the fun bird songs would be a great addition to your bird learning experiences. Then add movement with bird-themed yoga poses, and the children will be singing and moving like birds! Ages 3+
You Nest Here with Me
by Jane Yolen, Heidi E.Y. Stemple, and Melissa Sweet
This is a gentle story showing the various environments where best nest around the world. Just like our moms tuck us into our bed, momma birds also tend to their young in nests. At the back, you’ll find further information about each of the fourteen birds highlighted in the book. Ages 4+
Mama Built a Little Nest
by Jennifer Ward and Steve Jenkins
This book also talks about bird nests, but focuses more on what materials are used to build the nests, from moss to grasses to twigs. The book also includes further information about each of the fifteen birds. Ages 4+
Birds
by Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek
This is a simple look at how birds are different sizes, shapes, and colors and how they behave. It’s a reminder that birds are everywhere, even throughout the seasons and every kind of weather. This is a good introduction to all birds in general. Ages 3+
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Other bird books to consider checking out:
If you like the Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library books, have a look at Fine Feathered Friends: All About Birds by Tish Rabe and Aristides Ruiz for rhyming fun.
For older children who would like more in-depth information on birds, check out the take-along guide titled Birds, Nests and Eggs by Mel Boring and Linda Garrow. The book also includes fun kids activities.
All the Birds in the World
by David Opie
This book introduces readers to the fascinating family of feathered friends across the world. It highlights how birds all have feathers, wings, and beaks, but otherwise are extremely diverse. With beautiful illustrations and captivating text, this is a great book to read together for your studies on birds.
Five Bird Yoga Poses for Kids
Follow this five-pose flow to learn about familiar birds from around the world. Don’t worry if you haven’t tried yoga before–just jump in and give it a try. Clear the space, practice barefoot on a non-slip surface, and have fun. Be safe, but also feel free to make up your own bird-themed yoga moves. For twenty yoga poses and twenty matching bird poses, don’t miss our Feathered Friends: Bird Yoga Cards for Kids.
1. Pretend to be a penguin.
How to practice Mountain Pose: Stand tall with your legs hip-width apart and toes pointing forward. Take your arms straight alongside your body. Pretend to be a penguin braced in the cold wind. You can even waddle like a penguin.
2. Pretend to be a hawk.
How to practice Warrior 3 Pose: Stand on one leg. Extend the other leg behind you, flexing your foot. Bend your torso forward and take your arms back alongside your body. Pretend to be a hawk soaring over the treetops. Switch sides and repeat the steps.
3. Pretend to be an ostrich.
How to practice Dancer’s Pose: Stand tall in Mountain Pose. Then stand on your right leg, reach your left leg out behind you, and place the outside of your left foot into your left hand. Bend your torso forward, with your right arm out in front for balance, and arch your leg up behind you. Pretend to be an ostrich racing through the grasslands. Switch sides and repeat the steps.
4. Pretend to be a rooster.
How to practice Crescent Lunge: From a standing position, step your right foot back into a lunge with your left foot directly over your left knee and a straight back leg. Inhale and take your parallel arms straight up overhead. Open your chest, look up, and take a few deep breaths. Pretend to be a rooster crowing. Switch sides and repeat the steps.
5. Pretend to be a flamingo.
How to practice Tree Pose: Stand on one leg. Bend the knee of the leg you are not standing on, place the sole of your foot on the opposite inner thigh or calf (just not on your knee), and balance. Pretend to be a flamingo standing in the lagoon. Switch sides and repeat the steps.
Share with us in the comments below about your favorite bird yoga pose!
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